Don Larson

Sibley, IA

Don Larson, age 95 of Sibley, Iowa, passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at his home in rural Sibley.

A funeral service will take place 10:30 AM, Friday, May 10, 2024 at Zoar Presbyterian Church, rural George with Reverend Dale Lint, officiating.  Burial will follow at Holman Township Cemetery in Sibley.  A time for lunch and fellowship will follow the graveside service at the Ashton American Legion Building.

Visitation will take place Thursday, May 9th from 2:00 to 7:00 PM with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Jurrens Funeral Home in Sibley.

Don Louis Larson passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at the age of 95, surrounded by the land he called home and the family he loved dearly. Born on March 26, 1929, on the Larson farm near Sibley, Iowa, Don was the son of Louis and Velva (Folkers) Larson. 

Don’s life was deeply rooted in the rich soil of his family’s farm, which would become his life’s work. He attended country school south of the Larson farm and graduated from Ashton (Iowa) High School in 1947. Don trucked milk for the Sibley Creamery and hauled eggs and cream before taking over the family farm. 

He met the love of his life, Verla Heikes, at a dance in Ellsworth, Minnesota. They were married shortly thereafter on July 11, 1952, in Ellsworth. Don was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War, serving his country overseas as a forward observer for artillery strikes. Upon his return, they established their home in Sibley before moving to the farm.

Don was a dedicated lifetime farmer, having lived on and farmed the Larson home place for 68 years, a legacy that spanned generations. From milking cows to raising hogs and beef cattle, Don’s passion for farming ran deep, rooted in the land that had been in his family since his grandfather homesteaded it in 1888.  

Despite the demands of farm life, Don always made time for his family. He attended his daughters’ school events and 4-H activities and enjoyed many years of weekend horse shows. Throughout their marriage, Don and Verla attended many dances at the Ellsworth “Red Roof’’ and the Sioux Falls VFW and American Legion centers. They also cherished playing cards with friends.

Don loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed playfully teasing them and sharing stories of his life on the farm. 

Don is survived by his six daughters: Lori Lovera of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Luann Dodge of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Debbie (Bob) Liechty of Marion, Iowa; Donna Larson of Johnston, Iowa; Becky (Tom) Block of Sibley, Iowa; and Valerie Larson-Holmes (Mike) of Brandon, South Dakota.

Also left to cherish his memory are 20 grandchildren: Nikki (Jeff) Pelant, Alex (Serena) Lovera, Erica (Eric) Draeger, and Zachary Lovera and fiancée Olivia; Jesse Dodge, and Sarah Dodge (husband Kristian Johnson); William (Emily) Liechty, Katie (Anthony) Solano, Andrea (Damonte’) Stogner, and Caroline Liechty; Amanda (Luke) Goetzke, Brandon Korkow and fiancée Anna, and David Korkow; Brittiany (Nick) Meyne, Brian (Nicole) Block, and Taylor Block; Cameron Holmes (wife Carolyn Lussenhop), Andrew Holmes & fiancée McKayla, Elizabeth (Mason) Blue, and Carter Holmes; and 21 great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 72 years, Verla, their infant son Brian Don, Don’s parents, and his siblings: Nina, Lois and Elgin.

Don will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his love, kindness, strength and devotion to his family and the land. His legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him, and the fields he tended with care will stand as a testament to a life well-lived.

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